Aging Practice Tools

In recent years, the problems of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation have garnered increasing attention within the United States. This publication describes the nature, incidence, and risks of elder mistreatment; highlights recent federal elder justice initiatives; and provides strategies, tools, and resources to help social workers address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

As the baby boom generation moves into older adulthood and the overall U.S. population ages, discussion abounds among practitioners, policymakers, and the media regarding the economic implications of the impending “silver tsunami.” This publication highlights some of the economic challenges of aging in the U.S. and provides strategies, tools, and resources to help social workers address those challenges.

The Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010, has made meaningful improvements to the U.S. health care system and has established a number of consumer benefits. The ACA’s most significant feature begins on January 1, 2014, when many uninsured Americans will have access to health insurance, some for the first time. Here’s a primer on how the law might affect you.

Advance care planning is a process that enables individuals to determine and communicate their goals for health care. Clients’ engagement in advance care planning varies widely and may be influenced by multiple factors. Such variation requires reexamination of assumptions underlying the U.S. health care paradigm. To facilitate advance care planning effectively, social workers must understand each client’s values and biopsychosocial context and tailor interventions accordingly.

This publication provides an overview of public programs, such as Medicare Savings Programs and Part D "extra help," available to Medicare beneficiaries with limited resources and incomes.

Interdisciplinary collaboration can be one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, aspects of social work practice. This resource offers ways for NASW members to work more effectively with other disciplines.